celebrity pictures blog: More of Gaby Dela Merced

Gabrielle Chanel “Gaby” Dela Merced (born June 10, 1982) took public interest when she became one of the few Filipinas to dominate the Asian Formula 3 circuit. She is the only Filipina who competed in the full season of the series and her efforts to a 1st Runner-up placing in the Philippine National Formula championship. Gaby appeared in a shampoo commercial that highlighted Filipinas with “power, brain and beauty.” According to Gaby she was willing to try any sport to join the Olympics and when she got into motor sports, she knew this was her true calling. “Racing gives me a big sense of freedom, the world is yours, kaya mo lahat-lahat." She mentioned that even though she came from a broken family, she doesn't show any signs of it, because she believes "life exists to make people happy.”

Aside from racing, Gaby is a bonafide sports enthusiast. She also plays flag football and Frisbee when she has the time.

She has 3 older brothers and 2 younger half-sisters.

Racing history

2000: Philippine Slalom Championship, Class wins
2001: Philippine Slalom Championship. Class wins, Ladies Champion
2002: SVI Challenge Cup, Novice Production Class, 3rd overall
2003: Philippine BRC Production Touring Car Championship, 3rd overall
2003: SVI Challenge Cup, 2nd overall
2004: Philippine Formula Toyota Championship, 3rd overall
2004: Formula BMW Asia Scholarship Driver
2006: Asian Formula 3 - 2nd Over-all, National Driver's Championship

TV awards

2007: 21st PMPC Star Awards - Best Lifestyle Show Hosts (shared with Raymond Gutierrez, Tim Yap, Issa Litton)
2008: Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Edition 2 (3rd Big Placer)

TV shows